High-semaphore switch-stand.



No. 768,060. I PATENTED AUG; 23,1904.

' G. L.'MANSFIELD.

HIGH SEMAPHQRE SWITGHVSTAND.

APPLICATION FILED 0UT.1. 1903.

-N0 MODEL. SHEETS-SHEET 1.

No. 768,060. PATENTED AUG. 23, 1904.

v v G. MANSPIBLD.

HIGH SEMAPHORE SWITCH STAND. APPLICATION FILED OUT. 1. 1903.

N0 MODEL. 2 SHEETSBHEBT 2.

GEORGE L. MANSFIELD,

Patented .August 23, 1904.

OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS.

HIGH-SEMAPHORESWITCH-STAND.

, SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 768,060, dated August 23, 1904.

Application filed October 1, 1903.

To all whom it may concern:

1% it known that I, GEORGE L. MANSFIELD,

-a citizen of the United States, residing at the city of Chicago, in the county of Cook and State of Illinois, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in High-Semaphore Switch-Stands, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to improvements in railway-semaphoresof the class wherein a ated through the medium of theswitch-stand.

' The high-semaphore signals in general use are operated independently of the switches whose conditions they are supposed to indicate. These require'the use of separate mech anisms inorder to show the proper signals after the switch has been turned, and while numerous interlocking systems'have been devised and used none are as satisfactory or as safe as a signal whichis directly connected to the switch and switch-stand, 'Many such have been employed in the form of the well-known low yard. switch-stand, which has vanes and a lamp on its staff; but little progress has been made toward the embodiment of the same 1 idea in a high-semaphore-arm signal.

The object of my invention is to provide a high-semaphore signal directly connected to a switch-stand which shall be operable therewith and thereby and shall be visible at a great distance. p I

Another object of my invention is to provide a high-semaphore signal wherein the lamp and the arm shall operate together.

Still another object of my invention is to provide 'a high-semaphore signal preferably constructed entirely of metal and which shall be braced or framed by ladders.

Another and particularobject of my invention is to provide ahigh semaphore which shall include a switch-stand as one of its component parts and from which the said switch-stand can be removed at any time without disturbing therest of the structure. I

Another particular object of my invention is to generally simplify theconstructionand I tionary lamp.

section of the operating parts of my device.

Serial No. 175,345. (No model.)

reduce the cost of semaphores of the class of the class described which shall permit the placing or the, removal of the switch-stand without necessitating labor upon tower or post; and, further, my invention consists in a high-semaphore tower or post composed of ladders that are rigidly connected; and, fur-.

ther, my invention consists in a novel anchorage for semaphore towers or posts; and, further, my inventlon consists n the combination of a suitable post, an operating-shaft therein and carrying a lamp on its upper end, a crossshaft at the top ofthe. pole, a semaphore-arm thereon, and means connecting said shafts for causing the movement of said arm simultaneously with the movement of the lamp; and, further, my invention consists in many and various details of construction and in combinations of parts, all as hereinafter described, and particularly pointed out in the claims.

My invention will be more readily understood by reference to the accompanying drawings, forming a part of this specification, and in which I I Figure 1 is a side elevation of a high semaphore embodying my invention. Fig. 2 is anothereelevation thereof. Fig. 3 shows a modified formof' the head of the signal, the usual lenses and spectacles being provided on the semaphore-arm for cooperation with asta- Fig. 4 is an enlarged vertical Fig. 5 is a section thereof on the linew w of Fig. 4. Fig. 6 is adetail view of the semaphore-arm shaft, and Fig. 7 is a reducedplan view of the switch stand.

In the drawings, A A represent the extended track-ties, whereon the switch-stand B is placed. This switch-stand maybe of any desired construction or type, either high or low,

preferably the latter, The crank C of the ICC end I place the structure above the switch-.

stand B. This structure preferably comprises a substantially triangular metal frame that is composed of two ladders 2 and 3., which meet at their upper ends. The ladders are made of either flat or angle bars connected by bars or steps 4, and the use oftwo ladders permits two mento climb the postwhen it is necessary to take down 'or put into position some heavy part of the mechanism, such asthe semaphore-arm. Theladders have the same inclination, and their lower ends are bolted or spiked to opposite sides of the crosstie D. This tie is notched into the ties A A r and is bolted thereto. It serves to provide a solid foundation for the semaphore-pole and one which is separate from the foundation of the switch-stand. The ladders 2 and 3 are connected at convenient distances by horizontal vided with a central collar 6.

braces 5 5 of any desired design,- each pro- To one of these collars I attach theside braces 7 7, having their lower ends spiked or bolted to the ties A A and making the tower or post very rigid.

The semaphore mechanism proper is contained in a preferably closed box 8, which, if

' desired, may form the top connection for the side ladders. I prefer, however, to arrange the gear-box 8 on the upper end of a tube or pipe 9, which extends down through the collars 6 and preferably rests upon the top of the switch-stand casing B. The tube is not fastened to the switch-stand, but simply rests upon a boss or in a recess 9", surrounding the staff G of said switch-stand. The weight of the column 9 and of the semaphore mechanism or head is thus preferably carried upon the switch-stand; but, if desired, may be carried by the tower or post, and in any case setscrews 6in the brace-collars 6 or the like are used to secure said column 9 and prevent its twisting or rotating in the tower or post.

As shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the box 8 is provided with a boss 8 on its bottom, containing an internally-shouldered recess 8 to receive the upper end of the column 9. The box is secured thereon by means of one or more set screws 11. The box 8 carries and contains all of the semaphore and lamp parts, and beinga part that is preferably distinct from the tower it may be raised and lowered by means of the tube or column 9. In other words, the

box and its mechanism does not prevent the raismgof thetube or column, and as this may be done when the set-screws 6 are loosened it is obvious that the"s'witchstand may be easily removed without disturbing any part of the tower or of the semaphore mechanism.

The tube or column 9 not only rigidly supports the semaphore-box, but also contains and protects the semaphore-operating shaft 10, which has its lower end 10" coupled to the upper end of the switch-stand stall C, while its upper end extends into and through the box 8 to operate the semaphore-arm and the signal-lamp.

As shown in Fig. 1, the shaft 10 may itself be a tube, and its lower end 10 is preferably squared to fit the staff C. The shaftneed not be fastened to the staff; but to avoid aecidental disconnection I preferably use a setscrew 10 therein. Obviously the stall may be unjointed from the stall when the tube 5) has been lifted and should also be raised when it is necessary to remove the switch-stand. The box 8 is preferably made in upper and lower halves suitably joined and together completely shielding the operating-gearing that is used, whatever its kind. The box 8 is provided with bearings 12 12 in its ends and also has bearings 13 and 14 in-its bottom and top. These bearings 13 and 14: are in alinement with the column 9, and the lower bearing contains thehub 15 of the beveled gear-pinion 16. Said hub has a preferably squared opening 17 to receive the squared upper portion 10 of the shaft 10. The upper hearing 14 may be closed and not used; but it preferably is open and contains the hub 18 of the lamp-bracket 19. This contains a recess 20, and the end of the shaft 1.0 rises from the squared portion 10 in the gear 16 and enters the hub 18. The shaft 10 therefore crosses the box or frame vertically. Its upper end is round, so that the lamp-bracket 19 may be properly adjusted thereon-that is, turned to the proper angle with respect to the position of the semaphorearmbefore it is secured to the shaft by means of the pin 21 or the like. The lamp-bracket, unlike the devices now in use, is provided with a wide flaring flange or a plurality of lugs 19, on which the base 22 of the lamp will rest securely. The lamp-fastening is the usual polygonal stud 19 that enters the base of the lamp. The lamp therefore turns with the shaft 10 when the latter is operated by means of the switch-stand lever B, acting through the medium of the gears 01' other mechanism B within the switchstand. I regard the flanged lamp-braclmt as of particular value, as by the use of this de vice the stud is relieved of the duty of holding the lamp truly upright.

I have spoken of the shaft 10 as though it were continuous from the switch-stand to the signal-lamp, and it may be so; but I prefer to cut the shaft at the point within the hub of the gear 16, providing it with a short upper end or section 10, which may be lifted out of the box when it is desired to replace the revolvinglamp by a stationary lamp. \V hen such alteration is made, the semaphore-arm is always provided with spectacles and colored Attempts have been made heretofore to pro I vide a semaphore in which a vertical shaft should operate the signal-lamp directly; but

in every such case it has proven difficult to se cure a proper pivot or pivotal support for the semaphore-arm, it having been thought necessary to arrange the latter on an extremely short stud-shaft. Such a shaft and its bearings are subject to excessive wear, and the semlaphores heretofore constructed have been unpopular for this reason. I avoid this difficulty by employing a long semaphore-armshaft 23', which extends across the gear-boxand is held at both ends by the bearings 12 therein. The semaphore-arm 24; and the counterweight-lever'25 are secured to the preferbly squared ends 23 of the shaft 23. The parts 24 and 25 are of considerable weight; but as their weight is carried by the shaft close to the bearings 12 such devices are rendered reliable and the wear thereon is minimiZed. The shaft 23 is preferably, though not necessarily, so arranged that its axis will 26, which passes around the other.

intersect the axis of the vertical shaft 10, and

as the shafts cannot occupy the same place one of them is provided with a loop or bend or eye I preferto use this loop or eye upon orin the shaft which has-the least rotary motion. This is usually the semaphore-shaft, as shown in the draw; ings.' When a ninety-degree semaphore-arm is used, the loop or bend or eye may be in either of the "shafts, as there is then no difference between their movements, both turning ninety degrees when operated. The connection between the verticaland horizontal shafts may take various forms, such as cams, arms,

or links; but I prefer to use a regular or an irregular gear connection. Thus, as shown in Fig. 4, the gear 16 is connected to the shaft 23 by means of a segmental gear 27 having its ,hubfastened on the shaft 23. I prefer that the eye or loop 26 in the shaft 23 shall be of such dimensions thatits end or ends will engage and be stopped by the upper section of the shaft 10 to limit the throw of the semaphore-arm 24:.

Theuse and operation of my invention will I be understood from the foregoing and may be summarized as follows: The semaphore is placed directly above the switch-stand. The

semaphore-gear is supported on the switchstand by the vertical pipe or column, The

- pipe or column is inturn bracedand held the semaphore mechanism. The semaphore. mechanism is at a convenient height above the tower and may be reached conveniently by men standing on the opposite sides or ladders of the tower. When the throw-lever B is moved to throw the switch-points, it operates the gears B and gives the operating-shaft 10 a quarter-revolution. This is communicated directly to the lamp at the upper end of i said shaft 10 and is simultaneously communicated to the shaft 23 and the semaphore-arm 24 through the medium of the gears 16 and 27. Thus the semaphore-arm and the lamp are simultaneously and positively operated, and their positions must always correctly correspond. The lamp, if desired, may by slight modification of the structure be placed below the semaphore; but I do not advocate this modification of my invention, preferring always to place the lamp upon the wide flanged bracket at the upper. end of the operatingshaft. It is obvious that just as the switchstand may be removed without disturbing the tower so may the tower be removed, repaired, or adjusted as toalinement without disturbing the switch-stand or its connections to the switch. r

It isobvious that numerous modifications of my invention will readily suggest themselves to one skilled in the art, and I therefore do not confine the invention to the specific construction herein shown and described. Having thus described my invention, I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent 1. In a high semaphore switch-stand, a switch-stand proper and a semaphore mechanism, in combination with a tower or pole, a suitable foundation for said switch-stand, another foundation for said tower, and means extending from said switch-stand upward through the tower to operate said mechanism, substantially as described.

2. In a high semaphoreswitch stand, a switch-stand proper, in combination with a semaphore tower or pole, comprising twoladders joined at their upper ends, a semaphore semaphore tower or pole, erected above the same but having a different foundation, a

semaphore mechanism at the top of said pole and a vertical shaft revoluble by said switchstand, for operating said mechanism, substantially as described. v

4. In a high-semaphore switch-stand, asemaphore tower or pole, composed of-ladders joined, at their upper ends, in combination with cross braces or ties, said post being substantially an isosceles triangle, in elevation, substantially as described;

5, In a semaphore'mechanism, a vertical shaft, in combination with the semaphore-arm shaft having hearings on opposite sides of the vertical shaft, and one of said shafts being provided with a bend or loop, to avoid the other, substantially as described.

6. In a semaphore mechanism, a vertical shaft and means for rotating the same, in combination with the semaphore-arm shaft, having bearings on opposite sides of the vertical shaft, a semaphore-arm thereon, one of said shafts having a loop or bend, to avoid the v other, and a lamp revoluble by said vertical to said vertical shaft, for operation thereby,

substantially as described.

8. In a semaphore mechanism, a suitable box or casing, in combination with a vertical shaft extending through the same, a lampbracket on the upper end of said shaft, a cross-shaft having bearings in said box, a semaphore-arm thereon, means connecting said shafts, and one of said shafts being provided with a loop or bend, to avoid the other, substantially as described.

9. In a semaphore mechanism, a frame or casing, in combination with a vertical shaft therein, a horizontal shaft having bearings on opposite sides of the vertical shaft, the axes of said shafts intersecting, one of said shafts having a loop or bend, to avoid the other, and signaling devices actuated by said shafts, substantially as described.

10. In asemaphore mechanism, a box or casing, in combination with a vertical shaft therein, a horizontal shaft having bearings on opposite sides of the vertical shaft, the axes of said shafts intersecting, one of said shafts having a loop or bend, to avoid the other, means connecting said shafts for simultaneous operation, and signaling devices actuated by said shafts, substantially as described.

11. In a semaphore mechanism, a vertical shaft, in combination with a horizontal shaft having hearings on opposite sides of the vertical shaft, one of said shafts having a loop or turn, to avoid the other, means connecting the shafts for simultaneous operation, signaling devices connected with said shafts, and means for rotating one of said shafts to operate the signaling devices simultaneously, substantially as described.

12. In a semaphore mechanism, a suitable box or frame, in combination with a crossshaft having bearings at its ends, a semaphorearm thereon, a vertical operating-shaft, means connecting said shafts, said operating-shaft having a separable section in said box or frame, extending through the top thereof, and

a lamp arranged on said section, substantially as described.

13. In a semaphore mechanism, a suitable box or casing, in combination with an operating-shaft extending through the same, a crossshaft also therein, means connecting said shafts, one of said shafts being provided with a loop or bend, to avoid the other, and a lampbracket having a bearing on the top of said easing and attached to said operating-shaft, substantially as described.

14. In a semaphore mechanism, a box or casing, in combination with a semaphore-arm, an arm-operating mechanism in said box or casing, a signal-lamp, a bracket therefor, and a bearing for said bracket in the upper part of said casing, substantially as described.

15. In a semaphore mechanism, a frame or casing, provided with bearings in its top and bottom, in combination with a gear arranged in the lower bearing, a lamp-bracket arranged in the upper bearing, a shaft for rotating said gear and bracket, a semaphore-arm, and means for operating the same from said gear, substantially as described.

16. In a semaphore mechanism, a frame or casing, in combination with a vertical shaft therein, a cross-shaft having bearings in said casing and provided with a loop extending around said vertical shaft, and rotatively limited thereby, substantially as described.

17. In a semaphore mechanism, a lixed column, in combination with a frame or casing secured upon the upper end thereof, an operating-shaft arranged in said column, a crossshaft arranged in said casing, means connecting said shafts, and a semaphore-arm operated by said cross-shaft, substantially as described.

18. In a semaphore mechanism, a suitable tower, in combination with a column lixed therein, a semaphore mechanism on the upper end of said column, an operating-shaft arranged in said column, for actuating said mechanism, and means at the lower end of the column for rotating said operating-shaft, substantially as described.

19. Ina high semaphore, a suitable tower,,in combination with a column fixed therein, an operating-shaft in said column, a semaphore mechanism provided on the upper end of said column and actuated by said shaft, a switchstand, and a suitable detachable connection between the shaft of said switch-stand and said operating-shaft, substantially as described.

20. In a high semaphore, a suitable metallic tower substantially in the form of an isosceles triangle, in combination with a switch-stand, a vertical shaft arranged in said tower and having its lower end attached to the operatingshaft of said switch-stand within the base of said tower, and a semaphore mechanism connected with and actuated from the upper end of said operating-shaft, substantially as described.

21. In ahigh semaphore, a suitable tower or pole, in combination with a box or casing, an operating-shaft, a cross-shaft 1n said box, a

10, a lantern-bracket connected with said extension-shaft, and means operatively connect-- ing said shafts, substantially as described.

22. In a high semaphore, a suitable toweror box and connected with said sh aft, a cross-shaft in said box, actuated from said gear, a semaphore-arm thereon, an extension-shaft, l0, actuated by said gear, and a lantern-bracket connected with said extension-shaft, substan tially as described. I

23. In a highsemaphore', a suitable tower, in

' combination with a switch-stand, a column held by said tower and seated upon said switchstand, an operating-shaft in said column, connected with the shaft of said switch-stand, and asemaphore mechanism arranged on said column and actuated by said operating-shaft,substanti'al'ly as described.

tower, in combination with a column held therein, a switch-stand whereon the lower end of said column is seated, the staff of said stand extending into said column, an operating-shaft in said column and attached to said staff, and a semaphoregearing and signals connected withsaid operating-shaft, substantially as described. 7 t

25. In a high semaphore, a tower, comprising a substantial isosceles-triangular frame, a

column arranged vertically in said frame, and held agalnst rotation, a gear-box arranged on the upper end of said column,'a semaphoredescribed.

27. The combination of the switch-stand ties, with the switch stand thereon, a crosstie, the ladders erected on said cross-tie and joined at their upper ends, suitable braces for said ladders, and an elevated semaphore mechanism connected with said switch-stand, substantially as described.

28. The combination of the switch stand with the framed semaphore-tower, a column fixed in said tower, means for supporting the column in different positions in said tower, to permit the removal of said switch stand, a signal mechanism at the top of the tower and means in said column connecting said mechanism and stand, substantially as described.

29. The combination of a switch-stand and its staff, with a semaphore-pole, a semaphore mechanism on said pole, an operating-shaft nection between said shaft and staff, substantiall-y as described. semaphore-arm thereon, an extension-shaft, 3

30; In a high semaphore,aswitclrstandand a signal mechanism-,- in combination with a tower adapted to support sald signal mechanism, and comprising two ladders connected in triangular form and having said switch-stand between them, substantially as described.

31'. In a device of the class described, in combination, a switch-stand, a signal operating mechanism directly above said stand, and a telescoping connection,permittingsaidswiteh stand to be removed without disturbing" said signal mechanism, substantially as described.

32. In a device of the class described,- a

' switchstand having a-shaft, in combination with a vertical mast extending upward from the switch-stand shaft, a shaft forming a vertical' extension of said mast, a lam-p -bracket 1 on the upper end of said shaft and operable therewith, a semaphore-arm operable by the j extension-shaft, suitable bearings for'said mast f and its extension, substantially as described. 24:. In a high-semaphore switch-stand, a

33- In a high-semaphore switch-stand,- the operating mechanism, comprising two ladders form-mg a tr1a'n-gle and erected above said combination, two ladders-forming a triangular frame, a signal operating mechanism at the apex of said frame and a switch mechanism I within the base of said frame and operatively connected with said signal mechanism, substantiallyas described.

35. In a device of the class described, a

: switch-operating mechanism, inv combination with a signal-operating mechamsm, comprising a closed gear-box, a transverse shaft journaled in the sides of said box, carrying exteriorly thereto a signal arm and interiorly thereto asegmental gear, a revoluble vertical shaft within said box carrying at its upper end a lamp-bracket and having itslowerend seated in a gear-wheel journaled in the bottom of the box, said gear-wheel meshing with said segmental gear, for operating said signal arm, and means for revolving said gear-wheel, substantially as described.

36. In a device of the classdescribed, a signal and signal-operating mechanism, in. conibin'a tion with two ladders adapted to supportsaid mechanism a switch-stand beneath said signal and between said ladders, andmeans adapted to operate said signal synchronously with said switch, substantially as described.

37. In a semaphore, a switch-stand, in com bination with a hollow post extending upward from said stand, a signal and signal mechanism on the top of said post, and two ladders forming a tower for said column and said sig-- nal mechanism, substantially as described.

38. In a high-semaphore signal, a semaphoretower composed of the symmetrically-inclined ladders, in combination with means joining said ladders at the top and at intermediate points, the semaphore mechanism, a box or casing therefor at the top of the tower, and the operating-shaft for said mechanism having bearings held by the ladder connections or ties, substantially as described.

39. In a semaphore mechanism, a box or casing, in combination with a semaphore-arm supported by said box, means within said box for actuating said arm, a vertical revoluble lampbracket having a bearing upon the box, means Within said box operatively connecting said lamp-bracket with said semaphore-arm, and

. box for said bracket, and means for simultaneously operating said arm and rotating said bracket in its bearing, substantially as described.

41. A semaphore-tower, comprising the symmetrically-arranged ladders, 2 and 3, in combination with a suitable foundation therefor, a block joining the upper ends of said ladders, a central bearing in said block, cross ties or braces extending between said ladders and provided with central bearings, a signal device arranged at the top of said tower, and a vertical mast arranged in said bearings, for actuating said signal device, substantially as described.

42. In a semaphore mechanism, a box or casing, in combination with the semaphore-aim, means in the box for actuating said ar1n,abc:u'- ing, 14, in the upper part of said box, a lampbracket having a stud or boss held in said bearing, the operating-shaft coupled to said boss, said bracket being provided with the flange 19,and a lamp-stud,and the lamp havin a recess for said stud and provided with a wide base resting upon said flange, 19, substantially as described.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, this 18th day of September, A. l). 1903, in the presence of two witnesses.

GEORGE L. MANSFIELD.

Witnesses:

C. G. IIAWLEY, JOHN H. GARNsnY. 

